Obama pokes fun at birth row

Sunday, May 01, 2011 - 02:02

May 1 - U.S. President Barack Obama uses the annual White House Correspondents dinner to make fun of claims he was born abroad and mock potential presidential candidate Donald Trump. Lindsay Parietti reports.

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US President Barack Obama uses a fundraiser to poke fun at himself and conspiracy theories that he was born abroad.
The latest champion of the so-called birther movement, business mogul Donald Trump was among the celebrities, press and politicians at the annual correspondents dinner Saturday.
Critics have said Trump's potential presidential bid is a publicity stunt to promote his reality TV show.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"Obviously we know of your credentials and breadth of experience. (CUT AWAY OF TRUMP AS OBAMA SPEAKS)
For example, no seriously, in an episode of 'Celebrity Apprentice', at the steakhouse, the men's cooking team did not impress the judges from Omaha Steaks and there was lot of blame to go around, but, you Mr. Trump, recognized the real problem was a lack of leadership, so ultimately you didn't blame Lil John or Meatloaf, you fired Gary Busey. And these are the kind of decisions that would keep me up at night."
His commentary drew laughs and cheers from the crowd.
But the president currently has less than a 50 percent approval rating as he prepares to seek re-election.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"Say what you will of Mr. Trump, he certainly would bring some change to the White House (points to a picture labeled 'Trump, The White House')
Obama released his complete Hawaiian birth certificate last week to refute claims he was born abroad, making him ineligible to be president.
During the traditionally humorous dinner, he also jokingly played a clip of Disney's "The Lion King", claiming it was his birth video.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters

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